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BOATS/OVERVIEW
Dev Diwali — Private Boat
Once a year, on Kartik Purnima, every ghat in Varanasi lights up at once — over a million diyas along the crescent, laser shows on the palace fronts, and a crowd on the steps that has to be seen to be believed. The river is the only place to watch it from, and boats sell out weeks ahead every year.
This is the private option: your own boat and captain for up to six guests, anchored at the brightest stretch of the riverfront for the maha-aarti and the lighting of the lakhs of lamps. Diyas and flowers for your own offering are included, along with life jackets and your captain’s number on WhatsApp.
A small advance locks your boat — the balance is due only after the ride. If the administration restricts boating that night, every rupee comes back.
INCLUDED
- Private boat & captain for up to 6
- Front-stretch anchor position for the lamps
- Diyas & flowers for your own offering
- Life jackets for every guest
- Boarding-point pin + captain’s number on WhatsApp
- GST invoice for every payment
NOT INCLUDED
- Hotel pick-up and drop
- Food & beverages
- Photography (add-on)
- Tips
Common questions
Dev Diwali falls on Kartik Purnima in late November 2026. Boats run through the festival week; the night itself is the peak and books out first.
The administration caps the number of boats on the river that night, and every boatman in Kashi is spoken for by early November. Booking early is the only way to guarantee a boat — and the early-bird price.
If the administration limits or suspends boating on Dev Diwali, you get a full refund including the advance — automatically, without asking.
Free cancellation until 24 hrs before your slot.* GST invoice emailed after payment. Reserve with ₹2,999* advance — balance after the experience.
